Participants Needed: 6 Canadian Workers
Mission Length: July 24 - August 15, 2008
Serve Asia Training: June 27-29, 2008
Serve Asia Debrief: Upon return to Canada
Particulars: Serve Asia workers will have the opportunity to teach English at a summer camp. They will also experience the Chinese culture first hand as they meet with one of the many people groups in China.
Setting: The People’s Republic of China has the world’s largest population (1.2 billion) and is the world's third largest country by area. Throughout history, the dominant religions in China have been Confucianism (a quasi-secular philosophy), Taoism, and Buddhism. Mandarin was declared the official language in 1955 and knowledge of it is required throughout China. Literacy has improved to nearly 80% and English is highly valued for international business. Many seek to improve their conversational skills by developing relationships with English speaking people.
Assignment: You will be given the task of teaching English and helping the long term workers with various tasks.
Method: You will depart for China following your Serve Asia Training. You will spend a few days in orientation to language and culture. You will help by assisting field workers in teaching English. You may also have the opportunity to explore the Chinese rural setting.
Debrief: The Serve Asia Alumni Retreat will explore your personal experience in China as well as give you the opportunity to share with others who have returned from similar encounters during their time with Serve Asia. Upon your immediate return to Canada you should plan to spend a couple of days in personal reflection. You will receive helpful material to guide you through the reentry process. Hopefully, all this is just the beginning to the adventures God has for you in years to come.
Estimated Cost: $2900 CAD; this cost covers airfare from Toronto to your destination city, accommodation and living allowance while in China and Serve Asia training, orientation and debriefing. Visas, immunizations, domestic travel to and from the training in Toronto and any other costs for the mission should be covered by the Serve Asia worker personally. The cost quoted is estimated and may change due to flight costs for the time of your mission trip.
Requirements: Must be 19 years or older. Complete all the Serve Asia Application prerequisites. Flexibility required. Teaching qualifications or experience an asset but not required. Must meet the financial commitments of the program prior to departure. Must attend and fulfill the requirements of Serve Asia Training and Debrief as part of this experience.
Resources:
china.org.cn , lonelyplanet.com , chinatour.com , www.omf.ca
Books (available to order online through OMF):
China's Christian Millions, China: The Reluctant Exodus, The Resurrection of the Chinese Church, Bosshardt: A Biography, Fire Within, A Thousand Miles of Miracle – Centenary Edition, Three of China's Mighty Men, A Boy's War, Changing China